by D. N. Carter
Chapter 15
Swords and Stars
Port of La Rochelle, France, Melissae Inn, spring 1191
“Ah, so that is how the sword finally makes its appearance?” Gabirol remarked as he wrote more notes.
“Yes…that was the first time Paul took hold of the sword. So now you see how it became his, or, if you believe what I reveal later, how he became the guardian of it, for it had chosen him,” the old man explained and looked over the length of the sword and gently unsheathed it fully, then carefully laid it upon the table for all to see clearly.
“Oh my Lord…how many tears are you going to make me cry this night?” Sarah asked as she wiped her face with a cloth.
“You and me both,” Miriam said as she too wiped her face of tears, the Templar offering her another clean cloth. She smiled as she accepted it from him, his Hospitaller brother shaking his head.
“But I want to know what was in the real parchment tube that Firgany hid then,” Simon remarked and leant forwards to look at the sword. “No…Let me guess, you will tell me later?”
“I can tell you now if you so wish,” the old man answered, much to Simon’s surprise.
“Really?” Simon replied and sat back into his seat.
“Yes. It was filled with parchments, designs of various churches and cathedrals but also large maps of France, Italy, Egypt, Britain and parts of a New World yet to be properly explored.”
“So what is so important about them?” Sarah asked quizzically.
“Important? Well let me simply say, for now, that they also had details of stars and constellations upon them. A kind of star map almost that would be laid out across those countries in stone,” the old man explained, still looking at the sword as the light from the candles, lanthorns and fire all reflected off of it brightly.
“In stone…how so?” asked the Genoese sailor instantly.
“The stone was in the construction of the Templar churches and the great cathedrals they now build. All positioned exactly and accurately to mirror constellations in the heavens.”
“What? How so…I mean how is that possible?” the wealthy tailor asked.
“How so indeed…for that is part of the secret contained within the parchments,” the old man answered softly and smiled.
“What constellations specifically?” Gabirol asked as he charged his quill.
“In France, mainly Virgo. And it was through Firgany that much of what was set in motion was from what he had learnt and entrusted to us and fellow Brethren for we knew how to design and build but we did not fully understand ancient drawings and techniques…but he did.”
“Are you trying to tell me that Firgany, a Muslim, is responsible for the design of our greatest churches and cathedrals?”
“Yes…like it or not, that is the truth. But for people like him, the cathedrals you now see being built would not be happening,” the old man explained as Simon and the wealthy tailor shook their heads disbelievingly.
“I do not understand…how so?” Simon asked.
“Well, when the original knights who founded the Templars excavated beneath the Sepulchre, they not only recovered artefacts, including very strange weapons and mechanical devices, but also building plans…very complex ones, which they had trouble understanding. But when they looked to the east, especially the Magi and Sufi mystics, they were able to interpret much of what was written. Firgany displayed a natural talent for this. Gerard knew this having been told by the local Templar Marshal. Now you must realise that prior to the arrival back in France of the Templar Knights, only Romanesque churches and cathedrals were in existence. Then suddenly, almost overnight, in fact during the past decade, so not so very long ago, a totally new form of building has appeared which is known as Gothic,” the old man explained but was interrupted by Peter the stonemason.
“Huh, you don’t need to tell me about it. We all had to relearn everything we understood about building and were all taught new skills with them big arches, buttresses and rose windows…thought I would lose my livelihood it was so far out of our league expertise wise,” he explained vociferously.
“But you learnt it all nevertheless did you not?…for once shown how, it was unbelievable to think we had not done it before…yes?” the old man asked.
“Well…yes, now you mention it,” Peter replied and smiled broadly.
“Then you are perhaps best suited to confirm to the rest here that the new techniques were not developed here in France but originated in the East. Prior to any of the new designs arriving here, they were already being constructed in many various sites that have a profusion of the typical pointed Gothic arches, such as those at Edessa and Mardin in the Middle East. Even the great Notre Dame Cathedral has been designed and laid out to a plan all based upon Virgo, the rose and other sacred measures. The Cathedrals of Rouen, Chartres, Laon, Reims and others now being commissioned and constructed likewise all represent a different star. When viewed together the cathedrals make up the image of the main body of stars that form the constellation of Virgo,” the old man explained.
“But for what purpose and why as it would only be the birds that could possibly see them in those formations?” Gabirol asked, puzzled.
“What if I told you that in the very distant past, when man walked with the gods, they were once able to fly in the skies above…and that one day in the future, man will again fly as the birds?” the old man asked, looking at them all intently.
“I would say you are mad,” the wealthy tailor instantly replied and laughed.
“Perhaps. But recall what I have said previously this night about the sacred feminine and Mary Magdalene. Then know that apart from Le Mans and Tours Cathedrals, all the other cathedrals are being dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Remember also I briefly mentioned about truly ancient Hermetic traditions as Niccolas taught Paul. Well again we have an actual stone representation of the Hermetic dictum of ‘As above, so below’, which was later copied over into our very own Bible of today,” the old man explained as they all looked at each other to see who would say something first.
“So what does it prove if they laid them out across the land in that fashion?” the Genoese sailor asked.
“What it proves, if you in fact believe it, is that it demonstrates the continuity of an ancient tradition. That tradition to represent constellations of the sky as physical realities on the land. You should be asking yourselves the question, why? What exactly were they trying to tell us? The architects and builders of these cathedrals are clearly obviously highly motivated and inspired by a vision on an awesome scale, would you not agree? For building just one involves an enormous amount of time, effort and money on a scale never before seen in Europe, but to build several means they must have a very good reason to convey a message of unparalleled importance,” the old man explained and leaned further onto the table and pulled the sword closer to himself.
“And will you tell us just what that message is?” Simon asked and raised his eyebrows.
“If you can stay awake long enough, indeed I shall,” the old man answered with a broad smile.
Gabirol sat up and shook his head eager to hear more.
“Well I am certainly awake and intend to remain so,” he stated and smiled back at all.
“I can tell you more now about the connection to Virgo, the symbolic constellation of the Virgin no less. Such as the fact that Firgany and Philip were working upon designs for a new cathedral to be built at Reims. Most of the design plans were also in the parchment tube Gerard was after and thought he had. And although things transpired against them, I do know that in time, that cathedral will be built as planned,” the old man explained.
“Hey…I can confirm that as we had to submit terms for a cathedral to be built there…but we were told it would not start for at least another ten, possibly fifteen years,” Peter said excitedly.
“That is but a minor delay…all things considered. For those of you familiar with the zodiac and the heavens, Reims cathedral will
in time, once complete, represent the star ‘Spica’, the one that symbolises both a sheaf of wheat and a lily flower,” the old man said quietly and lowered his gaze.
“Lily flower?” Sarah said aloud.
The old man looked up at her and nodded.
“Yes. That good old lily flower again. Owing to its royal connections, Reims, not Chartres Cathedral, also known as ‘Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Chartres’, will in time become one of the most important cathedrals in France once complete. It is where future kings of France will be crowned…for many centuries, hopefully, if the plans are followed correctly. Notre-Dame de Reims, or ‘Our Lady of Reims’, will be a cathedral to replace an older existing church, built on the site of the basilica where Clovis was baptised by Saint Remi, bishop of Reims, in AD 496. That original structure had itself been erected on the site of some Roman baths. Most Roman baths were built over ancient sacred sites connected with water no less. Reims should, therefore, practically and figuratively represent the place of the fleur de lys and it signifies the Annunciation, the selection of a woman to bear the future prophesied Messiah. In a subtle way, the Virgo figure spread out across Northern France is indicating an expectancy that the next Messiah would be French and of royal blood from the Merovingian bloodline. His advent is not to be expected in Jerusalem but in France. This is why the French royal house adopted the fleur de lys as their personal symbol and insignia. This is not the whole story, however, as in just waiting for the return of the messianic figure for we are again drawn back to Egypt when we realise that the actual symbol of the Egyptian God Osiris was the fleur de lys. This yet again reinforces that a message is indeed being continued from antiquity,” the old man revealed and nodded as he finished.[12]
“Hmm! I am not convinced,” Peter exclaimed, rubbing his chin.
“That is a fair comment…but mark my words, for it will come to pass, the cathedral will be built, and it will have a labyrinth beneath it and a spectacular rose window as has been designed,” the old man said and leaned over to the large leather folder near to Gabirol. He fumbled around for a few moments then pulled out a pinkish looking parchment and unfolded it to reveal a beautifully drawn architectural drawing of flying buttresses and a further drawing of a rose window. Peter almost snatched the drawing from him and studied it closely.
Fig 15:
“But this, this is unbelievably well drawn,” he exclaimed in amazement.
“’Twas Paul who executed that drawing…but under instruction from Firgany whilst they spent winter together,” the old man sighed. “But these plans have also been used at Chartres already. As you may know, Peter, much rebuilding is presently also underway there. Perhaps in time, it could rival if not surpass Reims, but that is not the important aspect of why they are being designed and built complete with labyrinth and rose symbolism all connected to the Virgin Mary…,” the old man said, shaking his head with his eyes shut momentarily.
“Are you trying to tell us that the prophesied Messiah, his second coming, will be here in France?” the wealthy tailor asked hesitantly, tapping his forefinger down upon the table. The old man looked up and simply shook his head no, which confused the wealthy tailor. “Then what are you saying?” he asked impatiently.
The Templar sat up straight and coughed and glared at the wealthy tailor.
“I suggest we move along with this story for I do genuinely fear I will not hear the end of it,” he said and went to take some drink, but his tankard was empty. He looked deep inside it, which made the old man laugh.
“Stephan…may we?” the old man asked.
Stephan immediately stood up.
“Of course. I shall bring an assortment of more drinks,” he said as he moved away from his chair.
“So, my man…this is the sort of stuff you spent so many an hour talking about after we have shut at night is it?” Sarah asked, looking at him with a large smile upon her rosy face.
“Of course…surely you did not think it was purely to keep away from you?” he joked back.
As Stephan entered the kitchen, Gabirol sat back in his chair and studied all that were sat around the table and chewed the end of his quill as he did so.
“Can I ask a question, please…?” Simon asked.
“Of course,” the old man replied as Sarah looked at him and frowned.
“I am just curious to know…why, when Firgany was dying, did the monk from the Templars rush to administer the last rites to him when he must have known he was a Muslim…and why did Sister Lucy kick him away?…Bit unladylike,” he asked.
“Ha…Sister Lucy, bless her soul. She had very little time for some of our more learned monks I am afraid to say. But in answer I can tell you that she did so as she was furious of the practice many monks had adopted,” the old man began to explain.
“Such as?” Simon asked quickly.
1 – 17
“Such as it was considered that all non-Christians were fair game and especially dying Muslims to be baptised on the field of battle in a macabre act of mercy,” the old man explained and looked at Simon directly.
“Really…I mean truly, do they actually do that?” Simon asked.
The old man nodded yes just as the Templar and Hospitaller also nodded in agreement.
“So where and when did they bury Firgany, for do they not have to bury their dead within the shortest time possible?” the farrier asked.
“’Twas on the very next morn as the sun was breaking over the hills. Paul stayed awake all night sat on the driver’s seat of the caravan. He could hear Alisha sob at times during the night but he felt utterly excluded. Sister Lucy had come out during the night to reassure him she would be fine, the baby was kicking away and that he should just be patient. Taqi stayed inside the caravan too. But in the morning, Paul helped his father, Tenno and three other Hospitallers lift and carry Firgany to a secluded ridge that had a commanding view out across the ravine and countryside beyond. The Hospitallers dug a deep grave and gently laid him down inside. Once they had done that, they waited for Sister Lucy to bring Alisha and Taqi up,” the old man detailed slowly, clearly pained as he explained the process.
“Oh the poor dears. And Alisha, she has seen so much death already in her short life,” Sarah remarked and looked over her shoulder to see where Stephan had got to.
Le Pont du Diable (Devil’s Bridge) à Thueyts, Ardeche
The sky was overcast with dark clouds threatening rain. It was cold and dew still covered the grass on the raised ridge still in shadow from the ravine’s higher sides opposite. Paul felt sick as Alisha approached, part terrified what to say to her and how she would react towards him. Sister Lucy’s previous remarks about the parchments and what they showed and the potential for much suffering for both of them if they were to pursue their relationship echoed in his mind. His heart felt heavy. Was this how it was in fact going to be…painful and full of emotional turmoil? he wondered. Taqi held her arm tightly and she was supported on her other side by Sister Lucy, as they approached slowly.
They stopped just in front of Paul. He opened his arms and shook his head. Alisha looked up at him, her eyes were puffy and red, her face white, her hair hanging loose. She looked so fragile as she stood part hunched as Taqi and Sister Lucy supported her. Paul looked at Taqi, who was clearly struggling to control his own emotions. Alisha looked at Paul, her face pained with anguish, her eyes then falling upon the large two handed sword now strapped to his left side. Paul outstretched his arms for her to come to him. As a tear rolled down her cheek, she stepped forwards, lowered her head and rested against his chest as she held her hands upon her stomach. Paul wrapped his arms around her, closed his eyes and hugged her gently. They stayed in that position throughout the entire burial ceremony as Philip conducted it, her face buried into Paul’s chest, not looking into the grave. Eventually she opened her arms and wrapped them around Paul tightly, her eyes still closed. All Paul could do was rub her back as she sobbed as the words and prayers for Firgany were said in a bl
ur neither of them took in. Taqi just stood beside them staring into the grave, bewildered. All were in a state of shock and disbelief. After the ceremony was complete, Philip hurried away as the Hospitallers began to cover the grave and to mark it with stones, then Paul gently walked Alisha back towards the track and temporary encampment. As they approached the caravan they saw Philip already seated upon the large Arabian horse ready to leave, Tenno holding the reins beside him.
“Paul, Taqi, Ali, I shall be away now…but I will see you again in Alexandria. Tenno will go with you all the way,” he said as he looked at them and Tenno nodded in agreement. Paul’s eyes met Philip’s and they both nodded in silent understanding. “Taqi, ’tis for you to decide your own path once you reach Cyprus, whether to continue to Alexandria or to follow your path. Whatever you choose, I bid you good fortune,” Philip said as Taqi just shook his head in silence.
Alisha shook her head sadly and in silence too as Philip looked at her. Quickly he dismounted and rapidly walked towards her, knelt down at her feet, placed his hands upon her belly and rested his head against her. Alisha looked up at Paul behind her, puzzled. Philip whispered something none of them could hear properly. Sister Lucy cupped her mouth emotionally. Alisha felt awkward and did not know what to do as Philip just knelt there. Paul placed his hands upon her shoulders as she gently placed her right hand upon Philip’s head. She rested her hand there for several minutes before he finally took a deep breath and stood up. His face was etched with emotion and he could not speak. Tears were welled in his eyes and Alisha placed her hand upon his cheek sympathetically. Philip stared into her eyes, and then he clasped her hand, kissed it, looked at Paul directly, nodded briefly then stood back. He bowed his head and quickly turned around, mounted the Arabian horse as Tenno held it steady, flung his dark overcoat up behind him, adjusted his saddle position, looked at Paul and Alisha once more, then Tenno.